Hong Kong's LegCo serves as a mini parliament with the power to pass and change laws for the region. Yet, polls for this assembly have seen a notable absence in genuine political alternatives during a period of sweeping political transformations in the last decade.
Following the 1997 handover, a principle of "one nation, two systems" was promised, pledging that Hong Kong would maintain a degree of self-governance. Gradually, critics contend that civil liberties have been increasingly eroded.
Major Developments and Shifts
During 2014, a bill was put forward that was designed to allow residents to choose the Chief Executive. Notably, any such election was restricted to candidates pre-approved by the mainland government.
The year 2019 experienced extensive protests, culminating in an incident where residents breached the parliamentary premises to voice opposition against a proposed extradition bill.
The Impact of the National Security Law
Implemented in 2020, the security legislation provided extensive authority to the mainland over Hong Kong's affairs. Activities such as subversion were outlawed. Following this law, the primary democratic party dissolved.
The Present Electoral System
The council polls are regarded as Hong Kong's main democratic event. However, laws established in the past few years now guarantee that only individuals deemed loyal are able to run for office.
- Membership Structure: Currently, only 20 out of 90 seats are filled by public ballot.
- Remaining Seats: The balance are selected by a pro-establishment committee.
- Proposed Standards: Additionally proposed standards would require legislators to publicly support central authority.
Public Response
Given other means of expression now criminalized, not voting has become one of the limited safe ways for residents to show disapproval. This has led to unprecedentedly low voter turnout in subsequent LegCo polls.
